Patentable/Patents/US-11233740
US-11233740

Systems and methods for adjusting a congestion window value of a content delivery network

PublishedJanuary 25, 2022
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, computer program products, and the like, for controlling a congestion window (CWND) value of a communication session of a CDN. In particular, a content server may analyze a request to determine or receive an indication of the type of content being requested. The content server may then set the initial CWND based on the type of content being requested. For example, the content server may set a relatively high CWND value for requested content that is not particularly large, such as image files or text, so that the data of the content is received at the client device quickly. For larger files or files that a have a determined smaller urgency, the initial CWND may be set at a lower value to ensure that providing the data of the content does not congest the link between the devices.

Patent Claims
15 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A method for servicing requests for content in a content delivery network (CDN), the method comprising: setting, by a content server, an initial congestion window (CWND) value for a communication session between a client device and the content server for providing information to the client device; receiving, by the content server from the client device, a request for the content, the request comprising an identification of the content, the identification of the content comprising a content file name included in the request for content; determining, by the content server, a content type based on the identification of the content from a database of content information, in response to the request for the content, the content type comprising an indication of a file size of the requested content; and resetting, by the content server, the initial CWND value for the communication session between the client device and the content server based at least on the file size and the content file name.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to optimizing content delivery in a content delivery network (CDN) by dynamically adjusting the congestion window (CWND) size based on content characteristics. The problem addressed is inefficient bandwidth utilization during content delivery, which can lead to suboptimal performance, especially for large or small files. The method involves a content server managing a communication session with a client device. Initially, the server sets a default CWND value for the session. Upon receiving a content request from the client, the server extracts the content file name from the request. The server then queries a database to determine the content type, which includes the file size of the requested content. Based on the file size and the content file name, the server adjusts the initial CWND value to optimize data transfer. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the network bandwidth is used efficiently, improving delivery performance for different types of content. The method may also involve additional steps such as monitoring network conditions and further refining the CWND value during the session to maintain optimal performance. The invention aims to enhance CDN efficiency by tailoring the congestion control mechanism to the specific characteristics of the requested content.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: detecting, by the content server, a congestion on a connection between the client device and the content server; and adjusting, by the content server, the initial CWND value based on the detected congestion on the connection.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to optimizing network congestion control in content delivery systems. The problem addressed is inefficient data transmission due to suboptimal initial congestion window (CWND) settings, which can lead to slow start phases, packet loss, or underutilized bandwidth. The method involves a content server managing data transmission to a client device over a network connection. The server determines an initial CWND value based on network conditions, such as round-trip time (RTT) and available bandwidth, to improve transmission efficiency. If congestion is detected on the connection, the server dynamically adjusts the initial CWND value to mitigate the impact. This adjustment may involve reducing the CWND to prevent further congestion or increasing it to better utilize available bandwidth, depending on the detected conditions. The goal is to balance throughput and latency while minimizing packet loss. The method ensures adaptive congestion control by continuously monitoring the connection and modifying the CWND in response to real-time network conditions. This approach enhances data transfer performance, particularly in variable network environments.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining a content type associated with the requested content based at least on the content file name, wherein resetting the initial CWND value for the communication session between the client device and the content server is further based on the content type.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to optimizing network communication performance by dynamically adjusting the initial congestion window (CWND) size for data transfers between a client device and a content server. The problem addressed is inefficient data transmission due to static CWND settings, which can lead to suboptimal throughput, especially for different types of content. The method involves monitoring network conditions during a communication session between a client device and a content server. Based on these conditions, an initial CWND value is reset to improve data transfer efficiency. The method further determines the content type of the requested data by analyzing the content file name. The initial CWND value is then adjusted not only based on network conditions but also on the identified content type, allowing for tailored optimization depending on whether the content is, for example, video, text, or large binary files. By dynamically adjusting the CWND value based on both network conditions and content type, the method ensures more efficient data transmission, reducing latency and improving overall network performance. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where different content types have varying sensitivity to network congestion and bandwidth availability.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the content type obtained from the database comprises an estimated urgency of receiving the requested content for the client device, wherein resetting the initial CWND value for the communication session between the client device and the content server is further based on the estimated urgency.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to optimizing network communication by dynamically adjusting the initial congestion window (CWND) size for data transfers based on content urgency. The problem addressed is inefficient data transmission when network conditions or content priority are not considered, leading to delays or suboptimal resource usage. The method involves obtaining content type information from a database, which includes an estimated urgency level for the requested content. This urgency level indicates how quickly the client device needs to receive the content. The initial CWND value for the communication session between the client device and the content server is then reset based on this urgency. For example, high-urgency content may trigger a larger initial CWND to expedite transmission, while low-urgency content may use a smaller CWND to conserve bandwidth. The system may also monitor network conditions, such as latency or packet loss, to further refine the CWND adjustment. By dynamically adapting the initial CWND based on content urgency and network state, the method improves transmission efficiency, reduces delays for critical content, and optimizes network resource utilization. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where different types of content have varying priority levels, such as real-time applications or mixed-traffic environments.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the identification of the content comprises a requested bit rate for receiving the content from the content server at the client device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to content delivery systems, specifically methods for identifying and transmitting content from a server to a client device based on network conditions. The problem addressed is efficiently delivering content while adapting to varying network capabilities and user preferences. The method involves determining the content to be transmitted by analyzing a requested bit rate specified by the client device. This bit rate request indicates the client's desired quality level or available bandwidth, allowing the server to optimize content delivery accordingly. The system may also adjust encoding parameters, select appropriate content versions, or modify transmission protocols to match the requested bit rate. By dynamically aligning server-side delivery with client-side requirements, the method ensures efficient use of network resources while maintaining acceptable content quality. The approach may integrate with adaptive streaming techniques, where the server continuously monitors and adjusts the bit rate during transmission to accommodate real-time network fluctuations. This ensures seamless playback without interruptions or excessive buffering, particularly in environments with unstable connectivity. The solution enhances user experience by tailoring content delivery to individual device capabilities and network conditions.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving, by the content server, a request for CWND statistics from the client device comprising one or more calculated CWND values set by the content server during the communication session; and transmitting, by the content server, the CWND statistics to the client device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to network communication systems, specifically methods for managing and optimizing congestion window (CWND) dynamics in data transmission between a content server and a client device. The problem addressed is the lack of visibility into CWND adjustments made by servers during communication sessions, which can hinder performance analysis and optimization. The method involves a content server dynamically adjusting the CWND size during a communication session with a client device to control data transmission rates. The server monitors and records CWND values as they are set, creating a statistical dataset of these adjustments. Upon receiving a request from the client device, the server transmits the CWND statistics, which include the recorded CWND values, to the client. This allows the client to analyze the server's congestion control behavior, enabling better performance tuning and troubleshooting. The invention improves network efficiency by providing transparency into server-side congestion management, allowing clients to adapt their own transmission strategies based on observed server behavior. This is particularly useful in scenarios where real-time adjustments are needed to handle varying network conditions. The method ensures that both the server and client can make informed decisions to optimize data transfer rates while minimizing packet loss and latency.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the CWND statistics comprise at least one of a maximum CWND value, a minimum CWND value, an average CWND value, or a last of a CWND value.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to network congestion control, specifically improving the management of the congestion window (CWND) in data transmission protocols. The problem addressed is the lack of detailed statistical analysis of CWND behavior, which can lead to inefficient bandwidth utilization and suboptimal performance in network communications. The method involves collecting and analyzing CWND statistics during data transmission to optimize network performance. The statistics include at least one of the following: the maximum CWND value observed during transmission, the minimum CWND value, the average CWND value over a period, or the last recorded CWND value. These statistics provide insights into network congestion levels, allowing adaptive adjustments to transmission rates and improving overall efficiency. By tracking these key metrics, the system can dynamically adjust transmission parameters to avoid congestion, reduce packet loss, and maximize throughput. The method is particularly useful in environments with variable network conditions, such as wireless networks or high-latency connections, where traditional congestion control mechanisms may fail to adapt effectively. The statistical analysis enables more informed decision-making, leading to smoother and more reliable data transfers.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. A content delivery network (CDN) networking device comprising: at least one communication port for receiving a request for content from a client device, the request comprising an identification of the content, the identification of the content comprising a content file name included in the request for content; a processing device; and a computer-readable medium connected to the processing device configured to store information and instructions that, when executed by the processing device, performs operations to: set an initial congestion window (CWND) value for a communication session with the client device, the communication session to provide information to the client device; access a database of content information to determine a content type of the requested content based at least on the identification of the requested content received from the client device, in response to the request for the content, the content type comprising an indication of a file size of the requested content; reset the initial CWND value for the communication session with the client device based at least on the file size of the requested content and the content file name; and provide a portion of the requested content to the client device over the at least one communication port based at least on the reset initial CWND value.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a content delivery network (CDN) device designed to optimize data transfer efficiency by dynamically adjusting the initial congestion window (CWND) value based on the requested content's characteristics. The device includes a communication port to receive content requests from client devices, where each request contains an identifier for the content, such as a file name. A processing device and a computer-readable medium store instructions that, when executed, perform several operations. First, the device sets an initial CWND value for the communication session with the client. It then accesses a database to determine the content type and file size of the requested content using the provided identifier. The initial CWND value is reset based on the file size and the content file name. Finally, the device delivers a portion of the requested content to the client over the communication port, using the adjusted CWND value to improve transfer efficiency. This approach ensures that the congestion window is optimized for the specific content being requested, enhancing performance for both small and large files. The system dynamically adapts to different content types, improving data delivery speed and reliability in CDN environments.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The CDN device of claim 8 , wherein the processing device further performs operations to: detect a congestion on a connection associated with the communication session; and adjust the initial CWND value based on the detected congestion on the connection.

Plain English Translation

A content delivery network (CDN) device optimizes data transmission by dynamically adjusting the initial congestion window (CWND) size for communication sessions. The device monitors network conditions and modifies the initial CWND value to improve throughput and reduce latency. When congestion is detected on a connection associated with a communication session, the device adjusts the initial CWND value to mitigate the impact of network congestion. This adjustment helps maintain efficient data transfer by preventing excessive packet loss and retransmissions. The CDN device may also determine the initial CWND value based on historical data, such as past congestion events or network performance metrics, to further enhance transmission efficiency. By dynamically adapting the initial CWND, the device ensures smoother and more reliable data delivery across varying network conditions.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The CDN device of claim 8 , wherein the processing device further performs operations of determining a content type associated with the requested content based at least on the content file name, wherein resetting the initial CWND value for the communication session with the client device is further based on the content type.

Plain English Translation

A content delivery network (CDN) device optimizes data transmission by dynamically adjusting the initial congestion window (CWND) size for communication sessions with client devices. The device monitors network conditions, such as packet loss and round-trip time (RTT), to detect congestion and adjust the CWND value accordingly. When congestion is detected, the device resets the initial CWND value for subsequent communication sessions with the same client device. The reset CWND value is determined based on the detected congestion level and the client device's historical performance. Additionally, the device analyzes the requested content's file name to determine its type (e.g., video, image, text) and further adjusts the initial CWND value based on the content type. This ensures efficient data delivery tailored to both network conditions and the specific characteristics of the content being transmitted. The system improves transmission efficiency and reduces latency by dynamically adapting to varying network conditions and content requirements.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The CDN device of claim 10 , wherein the processing device further performs operations to: estimate a latency of providing the portion of the requested content to the client device, and reset the initial CWND value according to the estimated latency and the content type to provide the portion of the requested content to the client device.

Plain English Translation

A content delivery network (CDN) device optimizes data transmission by dynamically adjusting the initial congestion window (CWND) size based on latency and content type. The device estimates the latency involved in delivering a portion of requested content to a client device and then resets the initial CWND value accordingly. This adjustment ensures efficient data transfer by accounting for network conditions and the specific characteristics of the content being delivered. The CDN device may also monitor network conditions, such as packet loss and round-trip time (RTT), to further refine the CWND value during transmission. By dynamically adapting the CWND, the CDN device improves throughput and reduces latency, particularly for latency-sensitive content types like video streaming or real-time applications. The system may also prioritize content delivery based on user preferences or service-level agreements (SLAs) to enhance the overall user experience. This approach helps mitigate congestion and ensures smoother, more reliable content delivery across varying network conditions.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The CDN device of claim 8 , wherein the content type determined from the database comprises an estimated urgency of receiving the requested content for the client device, wherein resetting the initial CWND value for the communication session with the client device is further based on the estimated urgency.

Plain English Translation

A content delivery network (CDN) device optimizes data transmission by dynamically adjusting the initial congestion window (CWND) size for communication sessions with client devices. The device determines the content type of requested data from a database and uses this information to assess the urgency of delivering the content to the client. Based on the estimated urgency, the device resets the initial CWND value for the session. This adjustment ensures that high-priority or time-sensitive content is delivered more efficiently, improving user experience and network performance. The system may also consider other factors, such as network conditions or client device capabilities, to further refine the CWND adjustment. By dynamically adapting the initial CWND based on content urgency, the CDN device enhances data delivery efficiency and reduces latency for critical content.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The CDN device of claim 8 , wherein the identification of the content comprises a requested bit rate for receiving the content at the client device.

Plain English Translation

A content delivery network (CDN) device optimizes content distribution by dynamically adjusting delivery parameters based on client device requirements. The device identifies content requested by a client device, including a specified bit rate for receiving the content. This allows the CDN to tailor the delivery process to the client's capabilities or preferences, ensuring efficient bandwidth usage and improved performance. The device may also analyze network conditions, client device characteristics, or user preferences to further refine content delivery. By incorporating the requested bit rate into the identification process, the CDN can select the most appropriate content version or encoding, reducing unnecessary data transmission and enhancing user experience. This approach is particularly useful in adaptive streaming scenarios where content is delivered in multiple bitrate versions to accommodate varying network conditions and device capabilities. The CDN device may also log or report the requested bit rate for analytics or further optimization. This method ensures that content is delivered in a format that aligns with the client's needs, improving efficiency and reducing latency.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The CDN device of claim 8 , wherein the processing device further performs operations to: receive a request for CWND statistics from the client device comprising one or more calculated CWND values; and transmit the CWND statistics to the client device.

Plain English Translation

A content delivery network (CDN) device is configured to optimize data transmission by dynamically adjusting the congestion window (CWND) size based on network conditions. The device includes a processing unit that monitors network performance metrics, such as packet loss and latency, to determine an optimal CWND value for efficient data transfer. The processing unit calculates one or more CWND values and transmits these values to a client device, allowing the client to adjust its transmission parameters accordingly. Additionally, the CDN device can receive requests for CWND statistics from the client, which may include historical or real-time CWND values, and transmit these statistics back to the client. This enables the client to analyze network performance trends and further refine its transmission settings. The system improves data transfer efficiency by dynamically adapting to varying network conditions, reducing congestion and latency while maximizing throughput. The CDN device may also support additional features, such as load balancing and caching, to enhance overall network performance.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The CDN device of claim 14 , wherein the CWND statistics comprise at least one of a maximum CWND value, a minimum CWND value, an average CWND value, or a last of a CWND value.

Plain English Translation

A content delivery network (CDN) device monitors and analyzes congestion window (CWND) statistics to optimize data transmission performance. The device collects and processes CWND metrics, including the maximum, minimum, average, and most recent CWND values, to assess network congestion and adjust transmission parameters accordingly. By tracking these statistics, the CDN device can dynamically adapt to varying network conditions, improving throughput and reducing latency. The CWND statistics provide insights into network behavior, enabling the device to make informed decisions about data transmission rates and congestion control strategies. This approach enhances the efficiency and reliability of content delivery, particularly in environments with fluctuating network conditions. The device may use these statistics to implement adaptive algorithms that fine-tune transmission parameters in real-time, ensuring optimal performance for end-users. The solution addresses challenges in maintaining stable and high-speed data delivery across diverse network conditions, improving overall user experience in CDN-based applications.

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

March 10, 2021

Publication Date

January 25, 2022

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